Photograph by: Ty Gunner
Written by: Abigail Eaton
M3F Music Festival returned to Phoenix, Arizona on March 6th + 7th at Steele Indian School Park for a weekend filled with music and community. The babes had a wonderful time exploring everything this intimate festival had to offer. Between the beautiful weather and the waterfront views in the venue, we truly couldn’t have asked for a better setting. Each night began with an incredible sunset over the park, casting the perfect golden glow across the crowd and stages. It was a weekend full of moments that made the festival feel just as much about the crowd as it was about the artists on stage.
M3F had three uniquely designed stages where attendees could experience their own ‘M3F moment’, regardless of where they were in the crowd. The Signal 33 @ Cosmic stage had an amphitheater-style feel with reflective light poles outlining the perimeter. The Vista stage (mainstage) created an immersive environment where the production truly focused on the crowd. Tall, moving light structures were placed throughout the audience, giving each attendee their own unique light show. The Daydream stage provided a ton of space to dance along with some awesome laser shows. The upgrades to production this year really brought the experience off the stage and into the crowd. The focus wasn’t just what was happening on stage; It was about movement, lights, and the collective energy in the audience.
The lineup for M3F perfectly aligned with the experience each unique stage brought. With headliners like Mau P and Peggy Gou, and other artists like Chris Lorenzo, Big Wild, Elderbrook, and Polo & Pan, househeads were able to have their moment all weekend long. Bassheads weren’t forgotten about either! Daily Bread and Of the Trees brought their wubby bass to the Daydream Stage on the second night. I really appreciated the variety of genres at this festival, as I was also able to see sets from Magdalena Bay and La Roux. There was music for everyone at this festival.
Outside of the impressive music lineup, M3F had a variety of vendors with activations I’ve never seen at a festival before. Permanent jewelry was offered as well as stick and poke tattoos! I can’t think of a better way to commemorate the festival weekend. My favorite activation by far was the Strap Film Lab. They had M3F-branded disposable cameras that you could fill up with photos, return to their booth, and have the digital photos sent to you all within the same day– usually within the hour! No more forgetting to have your disposable camera developed or waiting ages to see how your photos turned out. These disposable camera memories will last a lifetime.
For attendees looking to have an elevated festival experience, M3F provided just that. Their VIP area featured exclusive food vendors with little to no lines, a lounge, and private restrooms. The Club Pass at M3F is one of the most elevated festival experiences I’ve seen yet! The Club Pass included a variety of amenities including a private backstage lounge, private air-conditioned trailer bathrooms, coat check and item storage, an all-inclusive open bar (including snacks), and premium backstage and center stage viewing areas. Anthony, the Club Pass lounge concierge, was the cherry on top of this elevated experience. He took such great care of every guest in the Club Pass lounge and even took the time to learn our names by the end of the weekend. If you are considering an elevated experience for M3F next year, trust me when I say you won’t regret it.
M3F continues to prove why it’s such a special festival in the Phoenix area. Between the thoughtfully designed stages, diverse lineup, unique vendor activations, and welcoming community, it’s easy to see why so many people return year after year. The intimate atmosphere makes every set feel a little more personal and every moment feels a little more memorable. Whether you’re there for the house music, the sunsets, or just the good vibes, M3F creates the kind of festival experience that keeps you counting down the days until next year!
XOXO, The Festival Babes